The North Carolina Tar Heels came very close to a trip to Omaha last season. After UNC took down Oklahoma twice in the Regionals, the Tar Heels blasted Arizona in an 18-2 thumping in Game 1 of the Supers. However, the Wildcats secured two close victories to bounce the Tar Heels. It was a tough blow for a well-balanced team. But heading into 2026, the Tar Heels should remain a contender.
The Returnees
It’ll certainly help the Tar Heels’ cause for 2026 that the school returned some heavy hitters.
Jason DeCaro, entering his junior season, threw the second-most innings for the Tar Heels last season at 83.1 IP. DeCaro had what can be considered a better 2025, even though his freshman season in 2024 wasn’t too bad, either. The 19-year-old junior — a phrase not heard very often — saw his walk and home run drop, while his K/9 (7.6) stayed relatively the same.
DeCaro will be one of the most interesting names in next year’s draft. He’s a heavy sinkerballer who doesn’t project to be a high strikeout pitcher. But, one who could be a savvy ground-ball pitcher.
The Tar Heels also have draft-eligible sophomore Ryan Lynch back. Lynch, one of two Tar Heels on the 2025 USA collegiate national team, was fantastic for UNC last season. The 20-year-old struck out 72 over 61 innings last season.
UNC projects to have a strong overall pitching staff this season. Aside from those two, Walker McDuffie, Cameron Seagraves, and Folger Boaz are also on UNC’s 2026 roster.
McDuffie, a heavy sinker/slider pitcher, struck out 72 over 55 innings last year. Seagraves, a hard-throwing right-hander, struck out 34 over 23. Boaz struck out 30 over 30 as a draft-eligible sophomore.
As for the offense, it’ll look very different come 2026. Gone are Hunter Stokely, Alex Madera, Kane Kepley, Luke Stevenson, and Jackson Van De Brake. However, two-year starter Gavin Gallaher returns for his junior season.
Gallaher had a standout sophomore campaign, as he was tied for first in hits (77) and second in home runs (17).
The Newcomers
The Long Island-to-Chapel Hill pipeline continues for the Tar Heels.
Erik Paulsen, who had a very good sophomore season with Stony Brook last year, is among the headlining recruits. After he hit .299 as a freshman for the Seawolves in 2024, Paulsen slashed .358/.452/.585 with nine home runs and 26 extra-base hits.
The junior infielder went to the same high school (Massapequa HS) as ex-UNC infielder Johnny Castagnozzi.
Aside from Paulsen, the Tar Heels also picked up former George Mason outfielder Owen Hull via the portal. Hull hit .367 with 42 stolen bases, along with eight home runs and 26 extra-base hits.
Two Georgia State players, outfielder Michael Maginnis and catcher Colin Hynek, also move to the ACC. Hynek hit 18 home runs last season, while Maginnis finished 2025 with 10 home runs and 27 extra-base hits.
Additionally, the Tar Heels added junior catcher Macon Winslow, a regular each of the last two years for ACC rival Duke. Winslow hit nine home runs for the Blue Devils.
Nine new freshmen, including pitchers Talan Holiday and Caden Glauber, are also among the newcomers.
Summary
UNC has been a college powerhouse for decades. The Tar Heels have been able to build dominant teams on a near-yearly basis, and that prowess was on full display last season.
No, the Tar Heels didn’t make it to Omaha last season. However, there has to be plenty of optimism in Chapel Hill this season. UNC’s roster includes some of the best pitching depth currently in the ACC, coupled with a formidable offense that will include some new faces.
Check out more of our college baseball coverage, including looks at ACC rivals NC State and Miami (FL).
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